Craftsman Gas Self-Propelled Mower

Craftsman has long been a trusted name in the world of tools and yard equipment, so when I got my hands on the Craftsman Gas Self-Propelled Mower (Model CMXGMAM201203), I was eager to put it to the test. This mower is tailored for smaller yards, up to 1/4 of an acre, and boasts a 140cc engine with an auto-choke and a 3-in-1 convertible deck. Let’s dive into my experience with this piece of equipment.

Assembly and Initial Setup

Setting up the mower was straightforward and required no tools, which was a pleasant surprise. The mower came with an 18oz bottle of SAE 30 oil, which was just the right amount for the engine. The instructions were clear, and I had the mower up and running in about 10 minutes. The dual-lever, 6-position height adjustment was intuitive, allowing me to set the cutting height from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches with ease.

Performance and Ease of Use

Upon starting the mower, I was impressed by the ease with which it roared to life. The auto-choke mechanism worked flawlessly, and the mower started on the first pull, a feature that's particularly appealing for anyone who dreads the repetitive pulling of a starter cord. The 140cc engine provided ample power, and the mower glided smoothly over my lawn.

The self-propelled feature, driven by the front wheels, made maneuvering the mower almost effortless. This was particularly helpful when navigating around trees and flower beds. However, the front-wheel drive has its limitations on uneven terrain, where it struggled to maintain traction. The mower is relatively lightweight at 72 pounds, which aids in its maneuverability, but it doesn't quite compensate for the occasional loss of traction.

Cutting Quality

The 3-in-1 convertible deck allows for side discharge, mulching, or rear bagging of clippings. I decided to test all three options. The mulching kit worked exceptionally well, returning fine grass clippings to the soil without leaving clumps. The side discharge was equally effective, scattering clippings evenly across the lawn. The rear bagger, however, was a mixed bag (pun intended).

While the bagging option did collect clippings efficiently, I found that the bag filled up quickly, and the rod holding the rear grass guard often slipped out of place. This required frequent adjustments, which was a minor annoyance. Additionally, the bagger's capacity seemed insufficient for larger yards, necessitating frequent stops to empty the bag.

Durability and Build Quality

Craftsman’s reputation for durability took a hit with this model. While the engine and cutting deck felt solid, several components showed signs of wear and tear after just a few uses. The handlebar, made of plastic, felt flimsy and caused some discomfort during extended mowing sessions. The plastic components, particularly the safety cable holder, seemed prone to breaking under stress.

Moreover, the mower's design allowed grass clippings and debris to accumulate around the blade spindles and deck mounting, leading to clogging issues. I had to clean these areas frequently to maintain optimal performance. It’s worth noting that adding a fuel shutoff valve to run the carburetor dry after mowing can help prevent some of these clogging issues, but this is an aftermarket modification that not everyone may be comfortable making.

Noise Level and Maintenance

One of the standout features of this mower is its relatively quiet operation. Compared to other mowers I've used, the Craftsman Gas Self-Propelled Mower was noticeably quieter, which made the mowing experience more pleasant. Maintenance, on the other hand, was a bit of a mixed bag. While the engine required minimal upkeep, the frequent clogging and the need to replace or repair flimsy components added to the maintenance burden.

Fuel Efficiency

The mower consumed a fair amount of fuel, especially during longer mowing sessions. While this is somewhat expected for gas-powered mowers, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient option. Running out of gas mid-mow was a common occurrence, necessitating a trip back to the garage to refuel.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman Gas Self-Propelled Mower CMXGMAM201203 has its strengths, particularly in its ease of starting, cutting quality, and quiet operation. However, the build quality and durability leave much to be desired. The plastic components and design flaws, such as the rod holding the rear grass guard, detract from what could otherwise be a reliable mower.

Would I recommend this mower? It depends on your needs. If you have a small, flat yard and value ease of use and quiet operation, this mower could be a good fit. However, if your lawn is larger or has uneven terrain, or if you expect your mower to withstand heavy use without frequent maintenance, you might want to consider other options.

In summary, the Craftsman Gas Self-Propelled Mower CMXGMAM201203 offers a decent mowing experience but falls short in areas of durability and long-term reliability. It’s a tool that works well within its limitations but may not meet the expectations of those looking for a more robust and enduring solution.